The Poon Hill trek is a popular and relatively easy trekking route in the Annapurna region of Nepal. The trek starts and ends in Nayapul and we can do it in 4-5 days. This trek is named after the highest point of the trek, Poon Hill, offering stunning panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. poonhill trekking covers part of the Annapurna base camp trek as well.
The best itinerary of the Poonhill trek
First day: Nayapul to Tikedunga
The trek starts in Nayapul, a 1-2 hour drive from Pokhara. After reaching Nayapul, start trekking to Tikedunga. The trail follows the Modi River and passes through small villages and farmlands. Cross several suspension bridges and walk uphill to reach Tikedunga. Tikhedhunga is a small village with tea houses and lodges for hikers.
The 2nd day of Poonhill trekking: From Tikedunga to Ghorepani
The trek from Tikedunga to Ghorepani is a long and steep climb. Climb over 3,000 steps to reach Ulleri, a small village at an altitude of 2,070 meters. From Ulleri the road eases and passes through a beautiful rhododendron forest. In the evening, we will arrive at Ghorepani, a popular village for trekkers. Ghorepani has several lodges and tea houses and is the last village on the trek with affordable facilities.
Third day: From Ghorepani to Tadapani via Poonhill
We will wake up early in the morning and trek to Poon Hill to watch the sun rise over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Poon Hill is located at an altitude of 3,210 meters (10,000 feet) and offers stunning panoramic mountain views. After spending some time at Poon Hill, return to Ghorepani for breakfast and continue the trek towards Tadapani. The trail passes through beautiful forests and some small villages.
Day 4: From Tadapani to Gandruk
The trek from Tadapani to Gandruk is relatively easy, passing through beautiful forests and small villages. Gandruk is a picturesque village at an altitude of 1,940 meters. The village has several tea houses and lodges and is famous for its traditional Gurung culture and architecture.
Day 5: Ghandruk to Nayapul
The trek from Ghandruk to Nayapul is downhill and takes about 4-5 hours to reach Nayapul. Cross several suspension bridges and trek through small villages and farmlands before reaching Nayapul. From Nayapul drive back to Pokhara to relax and explore the beautiful city.
Apart from the natural and cultural experiences, Poon Hill Trekking also provides an opportunity to meet and interact with people from different parts of the world. We can encounter trekkers from various countries and cultures during the trek and share our experiences and stories.
Moreover, Poon Hill Trekking can also be combined with other treks in the Annapurna region, such as Annapurna Base Camp and Mardi Himal Trek. These treks offer more challenging and longer routes, but they also provide more opportunities to explore the Annapurna region’s natural and cultural beauty.
All in all, the Poon Hill trek is a relatively easy and short trek that offers spectacular views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. The trek is suitable for both experienced and beginners and can be completed in 4-5 days. The trek passes through beautiful forests, small villages and farmlands. It provides the opportunity to experience traditional Gurung culture and lifestyle.
The Poon Hill trek is a popular trekking route and you can expect to meet many other trekkers during your trek. However, this trek still offers plenty of opportunities to explore and appreciate the natural beauty and cultural richness of the region.
In summary, the Poon Hill Trek is an excellent option for trekkers looking for a short and easy trek with breathtaking scenery and cultural experiences. This trek is the perfect blend of natural beauty, traditional culture and diverse flora and fauna. Whether you are an experienced trekker or a novice, the Poon Hill trek is an unforgettable experience not to be missed.
Best time for Poonhill trek
Trekking should always done in best time. if you dont select right time for trekking then you will get a bad experience, you cannot enjoy your holiday. You should face difficulties and will not get proper view. So we are here with he best time to do Poon Hill trekking. Autumn and spring seasons, are the best time for poonhill trekking which offer clear skies, moderate temperatures, and stunning views of the mountains. However, we can also do Poonhill trek during the winter and monsoon seasons, but it requires more preparation and precautions.
The best seasons for the Poon Hill trek are September to November and March to May. This article explains why these seasons are the best for the Poon Hill trek.
September to November (Autumn):
Autumn is the peak season for trekking in Nepal and September to November is the best time to visit Poon He Hill. Clear blue skies, mild temperatures during the day and cool nights make it perfect for hiking. The monsoon season ends in September with clear skies and spectacular views of the mountains.
The surrounding hills and forests are lush after the monsoon rains. The trail is dry, slippery and easy to walk. During the autumn season, the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges are at their best. The weather is stable and rain is rare, which makes trekking more enjoyable. The mountain scenery is breathtaking, with clear skies and bright sunshine. You can see the snow-capped peaks of Annapurna South, Hiunchuri, Machhapuchhre and Dhaulagiri, one of the highest mountains in the world. The sunrise and sunset views from Poonhe Hill at this time of year are spectacular. Another advantage of trekking in autumn is the lack of tourists on the trails. Enjoy the quiet surroundings and have more time to enjoy the beauty of the mountains. Teahouses and lodges are less crowded, and accommodation is easy to find. The trekking trails are also less traveled, making for a more enjoyable experience.
March to May (Spring):
Spring is his second best time to hike Poonhill. Mild temperatures, clear blue skies and rhododendron forests bloom from March to May. The weather is dry and the mountain scenery is crystal clear. Temperatures are moderate and comfortable for hiking during the day.
During the spring season, the rhododendron forests are in full bloom and present beautiful colors. The hills and forests are green and the air is fresh and clean. The mountain scenery is spectacular, with clear skies and bright sunshine. He can see the snow-capped peaks of Annapurna South, Hiunchuri, Machhapuchhre and Dhaulagiri, one of the tallest mountains in the world.
Another advantage of spring trekking is that there are fewer tourists on the trails. Enjoy the quiet surroundings and have more time to enjoy the beauty of the mountains. Teahouses and lodges are less crowded, and accommodation is easy to find. The trekking trails are also less traveled, making for a more enjoyable experience.
The Poon Hill trek is perfect for those who want to explore the Himalayas and enjoy the natural beauty of Nepal. The best season for the Poon Hill trek is September to November and March to May. These seasons offer consistent weather, clear skies and stunning mountain scenery. The surrounding hills and forests are lush and offer beautiful natural spectacles. Whether it’s fall or spring, hiking Poon Hill is an unforgettable experience.
However, it is important to note that these seasons also have some drawbacks. During high trekking season, the trails can get busy, especially on holidays and weekends. Teahouses and lodges are full, and it’s hard to find a place to stay. Additionally, trekking can be more expensive during these seasons due to increased demand for services.
Despite these challenges, Poon Hill’s best mid-season trek remains the most popular and recommended time to visit. Breathtaking scenery, pleasant weather and cultural experiences make for an unforgettable trip. With proper planning and preparation, anyone can enjoy trekking during this time.
Additionally, trekking during these seasons has a lower risk of encountering weather-related problems such as landslides, avalanches and floods. The weather is stable, with less risk of precipitation and temperature extremes. Trekking in the best season reduces the chance of confusion and provides a safer and more comfortable journey.
In summary, the best seasons for the Poon Hill trek are September to November and March to May. These seasons offer consistent weather, clear skies and stunning mountain scenery. Trekking at this time of year is less risky due to the weather, making it a safer and more comfortable journey. It also provides an opportunity to connect with the local community and appreciate the natural beauty of Nepal. These seasons have some drawbacks, but with proper planning and preparation, trekking during peak season can be an unforgettable experience.
The Poon Hill trek is a popular and beautiful trek, but there are other routes in the Annapurna region that offer great scenery and cultural experiences. Here are some alternative routes you can consider:
Alternative routes of poonhill treking
Copra Ridge Trek:
The Copra Ridge trek is a relatively new trekking route that is gaining popularity. The trek takes you through beautiful rhododendron forests, traditional villages and panoramic mountain views. The trek starts from Nayapul and continues through Tadapani and Ghorepani to Kopra Ridge. This trek is less crowded than the Poon Hill trek and offers a more authentic cultural experience. Mardi Himal Trek:
The Mardi Himal trek is another trek that offers breathtaking views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. The trek starts from Kande and passes through beautiful forests, traditional Gurung villages and alpine landscapes. The highlight of this trek is reaching the base he camp in Mardi Himal with stunning panoramic views of the Himalayas.
Trek to Annapurna Base Camp:
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a classic trekking route through beautiful forests, traditional villages and alpine landscapes. The trek starts from Nayapul and passes through Ghorepani, Tadapani and Chomrong before reaching the Annapurna Base Camp. The highlight of this trek is the spectacular view of the Annapurna massif from the base camp.
Upper Mustang Trek:
Upper Mustang he trek is a unique trek that takes you through the remote and isolated areas of Mustang. The hike takes you through beautiful landscapes, traditional villages and ancient monasteries. The highlight of this trek is exploring the ancient walled city of Lo Manthang, known for its rich culture and history.
Hiking in Nar Phu Valley:
The Nar Phu Valley Trek is another off the beaten path trek through the remote Nar Phu region. The hike takes you through beautiful landscapes, traditional villages and high mountain passes. The highlight of this trek is exploring the traditional Tibetan villages of Nar and Phu, known for their unique culture and architecture.
These alternative routes offer different perspectives of the Annapurna region and offer unique cultural experiences. It’s not as popular as the Poon Hill Trek, but it’s just as beautiful and rewarding. As you plan your trekking adventure, consider exploring these alternative routes for an unforgettable experience.
Poonhill trekking is a popular trekking spot in the Annapurna region of Nepal. This trek is suitable for beginners and those with limited time to explore the Himalayas. This 4-5 day trek with breathtaking views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges gives you a lifetime memory. The trek is possible year-round. You can spend your holidays in the Annapurna region enjoying nature, local people and under the shadow of the Annapurna range.